Lotus AJR

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 11:30

Lotus AJR to compete in American Le Mans Series

Townsend Bell and Bill Sweedler to drive

Battery Tender, Yokohama and WilliamRast sponsors

Hethel UK and Tavares FL, (February 15, 2012) -- Lotus Racing and Alex Job Racing are joining forces to compete in the 2012 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) GT championship. The team will be known as Lotus Alex Job Racing (AJR), and will race the 2012 Lotus Evora GTE.

The factory-endorsed sportscar team will focus its primary efforts in North America. Lotus AJR’s campaign kicks off at the ALMS Long Beach Grand Prix, April 14, 2012.

Alex Job, team principal of Lotus AJR Racing said, "I am truly excited to announce the partnership between Lotus and Alex Job Racing in North America. Our efforts and ability to attract Lotus is a testament to the hard work that AJR has put in over the past several years. This partnership, along with our key sponsor's Battery Tender, Yokohama, and WilliamRast represent a new chapter for our seasoned organization and for the ALMS.

“I'm especially excited to announce my partnership with Bill Sweedler, Townsend Bell, and Colin Dyne (CEO, WilliamRast) in forging this long-term relationship with Lotus Racing. We collectively look forward to representing this iconic sportscar brand for years to come in GT racing."

Claudio Berro, Group Lotus’ Director of Motorsport said, "We are focused on winning - Alex Job has one of the best records in sportscar racing. We look forward to working together and developing a top-tier team. Racing is core to Lotus’ DNA, and we are thrilled with this new partnership and its potential to highlight Evora’s abilities in the U.S marketplace."

"We are delighted to welcome Townsend to the Lotus AJR Racing family," Job continued. "Townsend comes from a distinguished career in IndyCar racing and open-wheel in the U.S. and Europe. His natural speed and personality will make for a successful partnership with Lotus AJR Racing, Battery Tender, Yokohama, WilliamRast, and veteran AJR co-driver Sweedler. Bell's racing pedigree boasts an Indy Lights Championship in 2001, Rookie of the Year in 2000, and 12 top-five finishes in the IndyCar Series. He finished fourth in the 2009 Indy 500 and was the first American to have a podium finish in the FIA Formula 3000 series.

Sweedler added, "I am really excited about 2012 and driving with Townsend - he will be a strong addition to the team. I had a fantastic time working with AJR for the last couple of years and am honored to continue as one of their drivers. Alex and his team run a first class operation just like Lotus. It will be a strong partnership."

Lotus AJR also announced sponsorship from Battery Tender, Yokohama and WilliamRast for 2012.